PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
This is a fine inland course adjacent to the Catalonia Bavaro hotel which in many ways raises the bar for resort courses. It is not busy, it has excellent greens, the holes are really very good, and the welcome at the clubhouse is very pleasant indeed. Whilst it is true it does not have the glamour and glitz of Punta Espada, it is also true it does not cost $350 per round!
Another benefit of this course is that those whoa re staying at the Catalonia Hotel usually get some sort of break on green fees. We have seen Transat packages where as many as 3 rounds are included in a week’s stay. But even without this, hotel discounts can bring the green fees down to $50.
This 18 hole Par 72 course is the design of Dominican Single Alberto, with the cooperation of Corrie Jack. The basic characteristic of this course, which is laid out over relatively flat land, common to the region, is a large elevated area in the middle of the course, which provide terrific overall views of the course.
There is a large lake in the centre of the course and several of the holes play on and around this feature. Designed as much for the experienced golfer as the beginner, it has wide fairways and but doesn’t look overly artificial, but keeps faith with the natural landscape.
On our visit, we enjoyed the speed of play particularly, and it was also a course that was very walkable – unusual in this part of the world.
A delightful mix of tropical trees and tight driving areas, interspersed with a large lake which a number holes use in their routing.
In places, the pure white sand is glaring. Make sure you have your sunglasses!